How to fold a cloth diaper

There are many different types of cloth diapers. If you're using the type that needs folding, you'll want to either fold a clean diaper before a diaper change or fold a bunch at once and set them aside for later use.

There are two basic types of cloth diapers that need folding before use:

A prefold, which is a rectangular piece of cloth with a thick strip down the middle containing extra layers (to provide more absorbency)

A flat, which is a large piece of cloth, usually square, of the same thickness throughout

There are many ways to fold both prefolds and flats. Some ways are better for boys and others for girls, some better for newborns and others for older babies. To help you get started, here are two basic fold techniques, one for a prefold and one for a flat. They're easy to do, absorbent, and can be used for most babies.

Angel-wing fold, for a prefold diaper

1.

Lay the diaper flat, with the short edges of the rectangle at the top and bottom.

2.

Fold the left third over the middle third. (Our demonstrator will mirror you, to make it easier for you to follow along.)

3.

Do the same with the right third. The diaper should now be a rectangle three layers thick.

4.

On the top half of the diaper only, open up the flaps you created and press them flat, creating a V shape. The top of the diaper now has "wings." (The wings are what you'll later use to fasten the diaper closed.)

5.

Compare the length of the folded diaper to the length of your baby's diaper cover.

6.

If the diaper is too long, fold up part of it from the bottom. The diaper should be a little shorter than the cover so it will fit inside.

Cloth diaper folding tips

Optional: To add absorbency, lay what's called an insert in the center of the diaper. You can place it in the center before folding, or lay it on top when you're done folding – either way, it'll increase the diaper's ability to absorb moisture. Inserts are made of absorbent material, such as terry cloth, bamboo, hemp, or cotton.

Optional: To help wick away moisture from your baby, place a cloth or disposable liner on the prefold after you fold it. (You want the liner touching your baby's skin, so place it between your baby and the diaper.) These stay-dry liners may be made of paper, fleece, or other fabric. Disposable liners make it easier to dispose of poop and also help protect cloth diapers from lotions and creams. Cloth liners can be used to protect diapers, too, and should be washed separately from the diapers (since lotions and creams can reduce the diapers' absorbency).

Variation: Once you know how much you need to fold the diaper to adjust its length, you could do that fold first.

If you plan to fold a bunch of diapers ahead of time, you may want to fold each one into a rectangle (as described above) and stack them that way. Then when it comes time to diaper your baby, you can pluck one from the stack and proceed with the remaining steps.

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